Category: yogurt

Easy Yogurt Bark

Yogurt bark is a fun and easy frozen snack! Load up frozen yogurt with granola, fruit and toppings of your…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

Yogurt bark is a fun and easy frozen snack! Load up frozen yogurt with granola, fruit and toppings of your choice.

Yogurt Bark

Here’s a fun and easy snack no one can turn down: Yogurt Bark! This play on chocolate bark uses frozen yogurt as the base. Mix Greek yogurt with a little honey and vanilla, then sprinkle with toppings of your choice: fruit, granola, chocolate chips, and nuts. Freeze it up and break it into pieces, and each bite is creamy and refreshing: perfect for kids and adults. Our son Larson adores this treat and honestly: I can’t resist it myself!

How to make yogurt bark: a few tips

What is frozen yogurt bark? It’s essentially chocolate bark that uses frozen yogurt as a base for “healthy” toppings like fruit, granola, and nuts. Mixing Greek yogurt with honey and vanilla gives it a subtly sweet flavor. Freeze it with toppings, and they give a pop of sweet, fruity brilliance that makes this treat hard to resist. Here’s the basic concept and a few tips:

  • Use a jelly roll pan (half sheet pan), size 10″ x 15″. This way you can spread the yogurt to fit the entire sheet pan. If you don’t have one, just use a baking sheet and spread to your desired thickness.
  • Mix Greek yogurt, honey and vanilla. If all you have is vanilla yogurt, you can use that too: just omit the sweetener and vanilla. You can also use plain yogurt.
  • Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or foil! This is key: otherwise the bark will freeze to the pan. Spread the yogurt onto the parchment paper in an even layer.
  • Top and freeze for 3 hours. This gets it good and frozen before digging in.
  • Break into pieces and serve! It does become melty after a few minutes, so eat it quickly.
Yogurt Bark

Frozen yogurt bark toppings

Frozen yogurt bark is fun because it works with just about any toppings you can imagine! Here’s what we chose (and why), and a few other ideas:

  • Sliced strawberries: You only need a few: slice them very thinly so they are easy to eat when frozen.
  • Granola: We used a purchased chocolate granola: use whatever you have on hand
  • Chopped pistachios: The fine dust of pistachios looks like all natural glitter!
  • Chocolate chips: Add a pop of richness with some mini chocolate chips
  • Crushed almonds or peanuts: Also add a nice flavor
  • Peanut butter: Drizzle a bit of peanut butter over the top for a creative twist
  • Other fruit: Blueberries are rather icy when frozen, so we tend to avoid them. Sliced bananas are great
  • Sprinkles: Why not?
Yogurt Bark

Storage info

Once the yogurt bark is frozen for 3 hours, you can cut or break it into pieces. Then store it in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks. After that, it becomes pretty icy and looks a little worn. Keep in mind it does melt immediately upon taking out of the freezer, so you’ll want to eat it fairy quickly (or encourage kids to do so).

More yogurt recipes

There’s so much you can do with yogurt! Here are all our best yogurt recipes for using up the yogurt container:

This yogurt bark recipe is…

Vegetarian and gluten-free.

Print
Yogurt Bark

Easy Yogurt Bark

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 16
Print Recipe

Description

Yogurt bark is a fun and easy frozen snack! Load up frozen yogurt with granola, fruit and toppings of your choice.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups plain full-fat Greek yogurt ⁣
  • ⅓ cup honey⁣ (or ½ cup for a sweeter bark)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 strawberries, thinly sliced
  • ¾ cup granola
  • 2 tablespoons pistachios, crushed
  • Other topping ideas: chocolate chips, peanut butter, crushed almonds or peanuts, sliced bananas, etc.

Instructions

  1. Line a jelly roll pan (aka half sheet pan, 10 x 15″)* with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  2. In a medium bowl, stir together the yogurt, honey and vanilla extract. Pour it onto the sheet and spread into an even layer.
  3. Sprinkle the top with the thinly sliced strawberries, granola and crushed pistachios (or toppings of your choice).
  4. Freeze for 3 hours. Break or cut into pieces and serve. Store the pieces in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

*If you have a larger sheet pan, pour the yogurt to your desired thickness.

  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Frozen
  • Cuisine: Snack
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: Yogurt bark, frozen yogurt bark

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Homemade Blueberry Muffins

These homemade blueberry muffins are fluffy and moist with a deliciously crunchy crumble topping. They’re freezer-friendly, too!

The post Homemade Blueberry Muffins appeared first on Budget Bytes.

If someone gave me some amazing homemade blueberry muffins I’d be like, “wow, that person has their life together.” 😆 Is that just me? Imagine making a batch of freshly baked homemade muffins for your overnight guests, as a “thank you” or “get well” for a friend or neighbor, or just because you want to do something special for yourself. Whatever the occasion, these blueberry muffins are sure to impress. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, so you can eat one now and save the rest for later!

Blueberry muffins on a cooling rack with the first one torn open.

Use Fresh or Frozen Blueberries

You can use either fresh or frozen blueberries for these muffins. If using frozen berries, you’ll want to take one quick extra step to make sure the frozen berries don’t turn your batter a blue-ish grey color. Simply dust about ½ tsp flour onto the frozen berries and toss until they’re coated before adding the berries to the batter.

Use Butter AND Oil for Delicious and Moist Muffins

Just like with my Super Fudgy Brownie recipe, I used a combination of butter and oil for these muffins. Butter gives the muffins that delicious buttery flavor, while oil keeps the muffins moist even after they cool. It’s a one-two punch that ensures the most delicious and moist muffins you’ve ever had!

blueberry muffins on a cooling rack from above.

Topping Options

I topped my muffins with a crunchy crumbly topping, but that’s totally optional. You can either leave the muffin tops plain, sprinkle on a little coarse sugar to give them a little sparkle, or even top them with a lemon glaze (like the one used in this scone recipe) after they cool.

How to Freeze Blueberry Muffins

Baked goods like muffins are great for keeping in the freezer and enjoying one at a time when you get the craving. To freeze these blueberry muffins, make sure to allow them to cool completely to room temperature after baking, then transfer them to a gallon-sized freezer bag and store in the freezer for about three months. Frozen blueberry muffins can be thawed at room temperature, or microwaved for 15-30 seconds straight from the freezer.

Side view of blueberry muffins on a cooling rack.
Side view of blueberry muffins on a cooling rack.

Blueberry Muffins

These homemade blueberry muffins are fluffy and moist with a deliciously crunchy crumble topping. They're freezer-friendly, too!
Course Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine American
Total Cost $3.83 recipe / $0.48 each
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 8 muffins
Calories 287kcal
Author Beth – Budget Bytes

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour $0.18
  • 2 tsp baking powder $0.04
  • 3/4 tsp salt $0.04
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon $0.02
  • 1/8 tsp nutmeg $0.02
  • 1 cup plain yogurt* $0.85
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar $0.08
  • 4 Tbsp melted butter $0.40
  • 2 Tbsp cooking oil $0.08
  • 1 large egg $0.21
  • 1.5 tsp vanilla extract $0.42
  • 1 cup blueberries $1.33

Crumble Topping (optional)

  • 1 Tbsp melted butter $0.10
  • 2 Tbsp granulated sugar $0.02
  • 1/8 tsp cinnamon $0.02
  • 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour $0.02

Instructions

  • If using the crumble topping, prepare that first. Stir together the melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon, then add in the flour and stir until it resembles damp sand. Set the topping aside.
  • Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg) in a large bowl until well combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sugar, melted butter, oil, egg, and vanilla extract.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir until they're about 75% combined (there should still be pockets of dry flour throughout).
  • If using frozen blueberries, dust them with about 1/2 tsp flour first. Add the blueberries to the batter and finish folding until the blueberries are evenly incorporated and there are no more dry pockets of dry flour in the batter. It's okay if it's lumpy, just make sure to avoid over stirring.
  • Divide the batter between eight wells of a greased or lined muffin tin. Top the unbaked muffins with the crumble topping.
  • Bake the muffins for about 35 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Allow the muffins to cool for about 5 minutes in the muffin tin, then loosen the edges with a knife and transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Notes

*Use plain, not Greek-style or strained yogurt, to maintain the proper moisture balance in the muffins.

Nutrition

Serving: 1muffin | Calories: 287kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 13g | Sodium: 404mg | Fiber: 1g
Overhead view of blueberry muffins on a cooling rack with one torn in half.

How to Make Make Blueberry Muffins – Step by Step Photos

Crumble topping mixture in a small bowl with a spoon.

I like to make the crumble topping first, so it’s ready to go on the muffins as soon as the batter is mixed. In a small bowl, stir together 1 Tbsp melted butter with 2 Tbsp sugar and ⅛ tsp cinnamon. Then stir in 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour until the mixture looks a bit like damp sand.

muffin dry ingredients in a bowl with a whisk.

Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Add 1.5 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, ¾ tsp salt, ¼ tsp cinnamon, and ⅛ tsp nutmeg to a bowl. Whisk the dry ingredients together until very well combined.

Muffin wet ingredients in a bowl with a whisk.

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup plain yogurt, 1/2 cup sugar, 4 Tbsp melted butter, 2 Tbsp cooking oil, 1 large egg, and 1.5 tsp vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.

Wet ingredients being poured into dry ingredients.

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients.

Partially stirred together muffin batter.

It’s VERY important not to overmix the muffin batter, so only stir the wet and dry ingredients together until they’re about 75% combined before adding the blueberries.

A bowl of blueberries coated in flour.

You can use either fresh or frozen blueberries. If using frozen blueberries, you’ll want to dust them with about ½ tsp of all-purpose flour before adding to the batter. This helps their color from bleeding into the batter.

Blueberries stirred into the muffin batter.

Fold 1 cup blueberries into the muffin batter, making sure to not over stir. The batter will still be lumpy, just make sure the blueberries are evenly distributed and there are no pockets of dry flour left on the bottom.

Unbaked blueberry muffins in the muffin tin topped with crumble.

Prepare a muffin tin with your preferred method (paper liners, butter, or oil–I used oil), then divide the muffin batter between eight of the wells in the tin. Top the muffin batter with the prepared crumble topping (or a pinch of granulated sugar).

Baked blueberry muffins in the muffin tin.

Bake the muffins for about 35 minutes, or until they are nicely golden brown on top. Let the muffins cool for about 5 minutes in the tin, then use a knife to loosen the edges and transfer the muffins to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Baked blueberry muffins on a wire rack surrounded by baking supplies.

These blueberry muffins are seriously SO good!!

Close up side view of an open blueberry muffin next to other baked muffins.

The post Homemade Blueberry Muffins appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Vanilla Bean Scones

Vanilla bean scones are simple to make but packed with flavor. Whip up these scones for a special brunch or afternoon treat any time! This post contains affiliate links. I have been smitten with scones from the first time I ate one. They’re one of my favorite treats to pick up at the coffee shop …

The post Vanilla Bean Scones appeared first on My Baking Addiction.

Vanilla bean scones are simple to make but packed with flavor. Whip up these scones for a special brunch or afternoon treat any time!

Close up of vanilla bean scones on a wire cooling rack.

This post contains affiliate links.

I have been smitten with scones from the first time I ate one. They’re one of my favorite treats to pick up at the coffee shop and have become one of my favorite breakfasts or afternoon snacks to make.

I like that you can make scones with so many different ingredients – sour cream, buttermilk, heavy cream, and even yogurt.

Take these Vanilla Bean Scones. I used vanilla yogurt to give them even more flavor, and I am so glad I did. 

We could not stop eating them – fresh out of the oven they smelled divine. Once cooled, I topped them with a smooth vanilla glaze – vanilla overdrive, friends. And it is SO good.

(more…)

The post Vanilla Bean Scones appeared first on My Baking Addiction.

Easy Blue Cheese Dip

This blue cheese dip just might convert blue cheese skeptics into fans. Yes, it really might. You can trust me on this because I’m a little iffy…

The post Easy Blue Cheese Dip appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

easy blue cheese dip

This blue cheese dip just might convert blue cheese skeptics into fans. Yes, it really might. You can trust me on this because I’m a little iffy on blue cheese myself. Sometimes I love blue cheese, like in this peach and avocado salad, and sometimes it’s too much.

In this dip, it’s perfect. This blue cheese dip recipe is cold, creamy, and savory with an unmistakeable—but not overpowering—blue cheese funk. It’s easy to stir together and tastes even better after a brief rest.

how to make blue cheese dip

In addition to blue cheese (try a mild one, like gorgonzola), you’ll need just a few basic ingredients to make this dip: sour cream or Greek yogurt, chives or green onion, fresh garlic, salt and pepper. Rarely do I suggest Greek yogurt as a worthy alternative to sour cream, but it really works here and yields a lighter dip. For a different flavor profile altogether, try feta cheese instead of blue.

Serve your dip with Buffalo Cauliflower, or simply with raw vegetables like celery, carrot and bell pepper. Please let me know how you like it in the comments!

Continue to the recipe...

The post Easy Blue Cheese Dip appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

Yogurt Parfaits

Here’s a deliciously easy breakfast and brunch idea: the Yogurt Parfait! This layered cup looks fancy but takes minutes to…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

Here’s a deliciously easy breakfast and brunch idea: the Yogurt Parfait! This layered cup looks fancy but takes minutes to make.

Yogurt Parfait

Looking for an easy breakfast or brunch idea? Try this Berry & Yogurt Parfait! Layer Greek yogurt, berries and peanut butter granola in a glass, and looks loads fancier than it actually is. We’ve been making these for years, but here’s our latest favorite spin. It’s like an elevated spin on the MacDonald’s version that tastes more pure and real (and less sugary). Try this Greek yogurt parfait for a fancy brunch, or a quick make-ahead breakfast!

Ingredients in this yogurt parfait

This yogurt parfait is quick and easy to layer up: ideal for simple breakfasts. But it looks so stunning, it’s great for brunches too! Here’s what you’ll need for the ingredients:

  • Peanut Butter Granola, Crispy Homemade Granola, or other purchased granola (as high quality as you can find)
  • Greek yogurt or plain yogurt
  • Maple syrup
  • Vanilla
  • Cinnamon
  • Frozen strawberries
  • Fresh berries: blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, etc
Yogurt Parfait

Why use frozen berries?

Why use frozen strawberries here? Can you use all fresh berries, or all frozen berries? Here’s what to know:

  • Frozen berries help to make a sauce. Defrosting the frozen berries makes a nice fruity sauce to mix with maple syrup to flavor the berries. Again, it’s got a vibe of that McDonald’s fruit and yogurt parfait.
  • Frozen are also cheaper. It’s a little cheaper than buying 2 cups of fresh berries.
  • But you can use all fresh berries or all frozen! Whatever works for you! You can also make a fruit compote with frozen berries: see below.

Greek yogurt vs plain yogurt

Our favorite yogurt to use in general is Greek yogurt, but you can use plain yogurt too! Here are a few notes on making a Greek yogurt parfait:

  • Greek yogurt is thick and creamy, with a delicious tang. The flavor really is superior to plain yogurt.
  • Greek yogurt has lots of health benefits: it’s high in protein and can aid in gut health.
  • Substitute plain yogurt if you like. Then follow the recipe below to add maple syrup and cinnamon to flavor it.
Yogurt Parfait

Variations on a yogurt parfait

You can use many different options for the fruit in this yogurt parfait! We love it with berries, but the sky’s the limit here. Here a few ideas for mixing it up:

Granola to use

The granola in these yogurt parfaits is important. Because it’s such a simple recipe, it’s important to use the best quality granola you can find. If you purchase the granola, find a high quality, artisan-style granola. Or make it homemade! Here’s what to know:

Make ahead instructions for a yogurt parfait

Want to make yogurt parfaits as a make-ahead breakfast? It’s a great option for making ahead, but there’s one important thing to know:

  • You can make yogurt parfaits ahead up to 4 days in advance.
  • The granola becomes soggy after a few hours. If you’re making for make ahead breakfasts, layer the parfait without the granola. Then add it right before serving!
Yogurt Parfait

More easy breakfast recipes

Want to start the day on the right foot? Here are our top easy breakfast recipes:

This Greek yogurt parfait recipe is…

Vegetarian and gluten-free.

Print
Yogurt parfait

Yogurt Parfaits

Print Recipe

Description

Here’s a deliciously easy breakfast and brunch idea: the Yogurt Parfait! This layered cup looks fancy but takes minutes to make.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup Peanut Butter Granola, Crispy Homemade Granola, or purchased granola
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (or plain yogurt)
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup frozen or fresh strawberries*
  • 1 cup fresh berries like blueberries, blackberries, raspberries or a mix
  • ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Mix the Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and the vanilla.
  2. Defrost the strawberries in the microwave, keeping the juice that releases as they thaw (optional if using frozen). Stir together with the fresh berries, 1 teaspoon maple syrup, and 1 pinch cinnamon.
  3. In each glass, layer ½ cup yogurt, a sprinkle berries and granola, ½ cup yogurt, and another sprinkle berries and granola. Serve immediately. Make ahead instructions: You can also store for up to 4 days, but the granola becomes soggy. If you’re making for make ahead breakfasts, layer it without the granola and add it right before serving.

Notes

*Defrosting the frozen berries helps to make a juicy sauce for all of the berries. But substitute fresh strawberries if you like!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: Breakfast

Keywords: Yogurt parfait

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Easy Beet Fritters with Dill Yogurt Sauce

Beets! Who’s a fan? We love our beets, but we also know this bright red root isn’t everyone’s favorite. But stick with us because these fritters might just be able to coax some beet haters to the beet lovers club! The fritters are salty-sweet and pair …

Easy Beet Fritters with Dill Yogurt Sauce

Beets! Who’s a fan? We love our beets, but we also know this bright red root isn’t everyone’s favorite. But stick with us because these fritters might just be able to coax some beet haters to the beet lovers club! The fritters are salty-sweet and pair beautifully with a tangy yogurt dill sauce.

They can be enjoyed virtually any time (hello brunch, lunch, and dinner fritters) and are quick and easy to prepare — just 7 ingredients and 30 minutes required!

Easy Beet Fritters with Dill Yogurt Sauce from Minimalist Baker →

Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff (GF Optional)

Say hello to your new favorite pasta! This vegan mushroom stroganoff is the ultimate creamy, hearty, comforting dish, and we’re so excited to share it with you! It’s savory and classic, but with a creamy cashew twist to keep it plant-based and options …

Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff (GF Optional)

Say hello to your new favorite pasta! This vegan mushroom stroganoff is the ultimate creamy, hearty, comforting dish, and we’re so excited to share it with you! It’s savory and classic, but with a creamy cashew twist to keep it plant-based and options to make it gluten-free, too. 

Made with just 10 simple ingredients, it’s an easy entrée for the holidays or to enjoy any time you’re craving comfort on a plate.

Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff (GF Optional) from Minimalist Baker →

Labneh Balls

I don’t want to brag, but back in the day, I was a real DIY trailblazer. Before bread machines, before instant pressure cookers, before the rise of the Cuisinart, before whatever came (and in some cases, came and went…like the motorized ice cream cone), I had a yogurt maker. It was a marvel of sleek pop design, made by Salton. Yogurt started booming in America…

I don’t want to brag, but back in the day, I was a real DIY trailblazer. Before bread machines, before instant pressure cookers, before the rise of the Cuisinart, before whatever came (and in some cases, came and went…like the motorized ice cream cone), I had a yogurt maker. It was a marvel of sleek pop design, made by Salton. Yogurt started booming in America thanks to a clever ad campaign by Dannon, and the machine meant that anyone could DIY their own yogurt with this boat-shaped contraption, which seemed like a miracle to me.

Continue Reading Labneh Balls...

Chicken Salad with Apples

I’m kind of obsessed with chicken salad lately. It’s easy to prepare, super filling, and the perfect cold meal during these hot summer months. I especially love this chicken salad with apples because it’s full of sweet and crunchy apples, sweet-tart dried cranberries, and a simple homemade dressing that has a bright fresh flavor thanks […]

The post Chicken Salad with Apples appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I’m kind of obsessed with chicken salad lately. It’s easy to prepare, super filling, and the perfect cold meal during these hot summer months. I especially love this chicken salad with apples because it’s full of sweet and crunchy apples, sweet-tart dried cranberries, and a simple homemade dressing that has a bright fresh flavor thanks to the addition of yogurt. And as usual, there are plenty of ways you can add to or swap out ingredients in this chicken salad, so keep reading for ideas! 

Originally posted 10-10-2011, updated 8-5-2021.

Overhead view of a bowl of chicken salad with ingredients on the sides

What Kind of Cooked Chicken to Use

I cooked up some fresh chicken breasts just before making my chicken salad (see the step by step photos below the recipe), but rotisserie chicken is a really convenient option. If using rotisserie chicken, simply pull the meat from the bone, remove the skin, and give the meat a rough chop. You’ll need about 3 cups of chopped chicken for this recipe. You can also use canned chicken breast, if needed, although that option will have the least desirable texture and flavor of the three options.

What Else Can I Add to My Chicken Salad?

Chicken salad is so flexible. Nuts pair really well with the flavors of this salad, so you can try adding some almonds or chopped pecans. Finely diced celery is also nice for some extra crunch. And if you don’t have dried cranberries, golden raisins or fresh grapes also work really well in this recipe.

How Long Does This Chicken Salad Last?

Chicken salad is usually good in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, but it can vary depending on the freshness of your chicken and the conditions inside your refrigerator. This salad should not be frozen.

How to Serve Chicken Salad with Apples

You can eat chicken salad several different ways. The most common is as a chicken salad sandwich and you can do this on your favorite bread, on a croissant (like in the photos), or in a wrap. Chicken salad is also a great topper for a green salad, or you can serve it with crackers and a delicious dip (you might want to chop the chicken and apples a little smaller in that case).

Overhead view of chicken salad sandwiches with croissants

Love chicken salad? You might also like Curry Chicken Salad or Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Salad.

Side view of a bowl of chicken salad with apples, croissants in the background

Chicken Salad with Apples

This chicken salad is packed with sweet and crunchy apples, tart dried cranberries, and a light and creamy homemade dressing.
Total Cost $10.35 recipe / $2.59 serving
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 1 cup each
Calories 367kcal
Author Beth - Budget Bytes

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 3 cups chopped cooked chicken $7.97
  • 1 apple (1.5 cups chopped) $0.76
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion $0.20
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries $0.22
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise $0.53
  • 1/3 cup plain yogurt $0.35
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard $0.18
  • 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar $0.10
  • 1/4 tsp salt $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.02

Instructions

  • Chop the cooked chicken and the apple into small pieces. Finely dice the red onion.
  • Place the chicken, apple, onion, and dried cranberries in a large bowl.
  • Combine the mayonnaise, yogurt, Dijon, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir until smooth.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl and stir until everything is coated. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 367kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 19g | Sodium: 395mg | Fiber: 2g

Side view of a bowl of chicken salad with apples, croissants in the background

How to Make Chicken Salad with Apples – Step By Step Photos

Cooked chicken breast in a skillet

You’ll need about 3 cups chopped cooked chicken for this recipe, so if you’re not using rotisserie chicken, you’ll want to cook some chicken first. I used two chicken breasts (about 1.3 lbs. total). I filleted each breast in half to make two thinner pieces, which helps them cook more quickly and evenly. Then I just cooked them in a skillet with a little oil over medium heat until they were golden brown on each side and cooked to an internal temperature of 165ºF.

Chopped chicken on a cutting board

Allow the chicken to cool for 5-10 minutes before chopping it into small pieces.

Chopped apple on a cutting board

Chop one apple into small pieces (about 1.5 cups). You’ll probably want to use a variety of apple that is sweet or sweet-tart, like a Fuji or Gala. Also finely dice about ¼ cup red onion.

Chicken salad ingredients in a bowl

Add the chopped chicken, diced apple, diced red onion, and ¼ cup dried cranberries to a bowl.

chicken salad dressing ingredients in a bowl

To make the salad dressing, combine ⅓ cup mayonnaise, ⅓ cup plain yogurt, 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp freshly cracked pepper. Stir until evenly combined and smooth.

Dressing being poured over the chicken salad ingredients

Pour the prepared dressing over top of the salad ingredients.

Finished chicken salad with apples in a bowl

Stir until the salad ingredients are combined and coated with dressing. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to eat.

Chicken salad sandwiches made with croissants on a wooden cutting board

The post Chicken Salad with Apples appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Curry Chickpea Salad

This Curry Chickpea Salad is a fast and easy no-cook lunch that’s perfect for summer. Light, fresh, filling, tangy, and flavorful!

The post Curry Chickpea Salad appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Y’all know I love chickpeas. They’re easy to prepare, versatile, cheap, and full of fiber and other goodies! Chickpea salads have become one of my favorite easy preparations for chickpeas, especially now that it’s mid-summer and a million degrees out. Today I made a light and tangy Curry Chickpea Salad, that you can eat as a wrap, stuffed into a pita, or piled on top of a fresh green salad. It only takes a few minutes to prepare and makes a super tasty lunch!

Curry Chickpea Salad stuffed into a pita on a plate with grape tomatoes

What Kind of Curry Powder Should I Use?

There are so many different types of curry powder out there and they all have a unique flavor. I haven’t yet met a curry powder that I don’t like, so I can’t suggest one over another, but I’ve tried a few different brands such as Sharwoods, 365, Spice Islands, and Simply Organic. If you want to try making your own curry powder at home, here is a great recipe for curry powder from Hari Ghotra, along with a ton of great info about curry powder, its origins, and ways it can be used.

How to Serve Curry Chickpea Salad

As I mentioned in the intro, there are a few different ways to eat this Curry Chickpea Salad. I stuffed it into a pita with some lettuce for the photos here, but I’ve also wrapped it up in a tortilla to make a wrap sandwich. You can also scoop it on top of a green salad, or smash up the chickpeas and dip into it with crackers or vegetables.

I didn’t smash the chickpeas this time, but I often do to create a different texture in the salad. It really just depends on what texture you prefer or how you plan to serve it.

What Else Can I Add?

Chickpea salads are fun because you can add all sorts of other ingredients to make it fancy, if you have them. I think a grated carrot or diced red bell pepper would add a nice texture and the sweetness would work well with the curry flavor. Finely diced celery would also add a nice crunch, as would some slivered almonds. A few raisins would add a fun pop of sweetness. And lastly, if you can’t do red onion, sliced green onion would be a nice mild option to use in their place.

A hand holding a pita stuffed with curry chickpea salad
two pita pockets stuffed with curry chickpea salad on a plate with grape tomatoes

Curry Chickpea Salad

This Curry Chickpea Salad is a fast and easy no-cook lunch that's perfect for summer. Light, fresh, filling, tangy, and flavorful!
Total Cost $1.39 recipe / $0.70 serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 2 1 cup each
Calories 249kcal
Author Beth – Budget Bytes

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup plain yogurt* $0.35
  • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard $0.03
  • 1 tsp honey $0.06
  • 1.5 tsp curry powder $0.15
  • 1/8 tsp salt $0.01
  • 1 15oz. can chickpeas $0.55
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro $0.17
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion $0.07

Instructions

  • Prepare the dressing first. Stir together the yogurt, Dijon, honey, curry powder, and salt. Set the dressing aside.
  • Rinse and drain the canned chickpeas. Chop the cilantro and finely chop the red onion. If you'd like to soften the flavor of the red onion, first slice it and then let the slices soak in cold water for about five minutes. Drain the onion, then finely chop.
  • Combine the chickpeas, chopped cilantro, chopped red onion, and the prepared dressing in a bowl. Stir to combine. If you prefer, you can slightly mash the chickpeas to create a different texture. Taste and adjust the salt or other ingredients to your liking. Serve cold.

Notes

*You can use either regular-style yogurt or Greek yogurt, keeping in mind that Greek yogurt will create a very thick dressing.

Nutrition

Calories: 249kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 6g | Sodium: 811mg | Fiber: 11g

Love chickpea salads? Try my Scallion Herb Chickpea Salad, Pesto Chickpea Salad, or Sriracha Chickpea Salad Wraps.

How to Make Curry Chickpea Salad – Step by Step Photos

Yogurt curry sauce being stirred together

First, make the yogurt curry dressing. Stir together ⅓ cup plain yogurt, ½ tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, 1.5 tsp curry powder, and ⅛ tsp salt. You can use regular-style or Greek-style yogurt, keeping in mind that Greek yogurt will make a very thick dressing.

Chickpeas, onions, and cilantro in a bowl

Rinse and drain one 15oz. can of chickpeas. Finely dice ¼ cup red onion and chop about ¼ cup cilantro. If you want the onions to have a softer flavor, you can slice them first and soak in cold water for about 5 minutes before finely chopping.

curry dressing being poured over salad ingredients in the bowl

Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients in the bowl.

Finished curry chickpea salad

Stir until everything is combined, give it a taste, and then adjust the salt or other ingredients to your liking. At this point, you can either leave the chickpeas whole or smash them up a bit. It’s up to you!

two pita pockets stuffed with curry chickpea salad on a plate with grape tomatoes

Today I left my chickpeas whole, but if I were going to serve them with crackers for scooping I’d probably mash them up a bit so the chickpeas don’t roll off the crackers. :) Enjoy your quick, cold, no-cook lunch!

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